Joshua Tree, California
Clouds at Joshua Tree National Park
Why we were there: No show for this trip! It was a small reunion of college friends.
When we were there: February 2023
Where did we go:
This was an amazing trip that was recreation only! No work no family, just very important dear friends. First stop was an afternoon at Joshua Tree National Park. We explored, climbed on rocks, and prickled the cactus. Indescribable. Our VRBO had a big kitchen and a hot tub so lots of cooking, eating, and lounging was had. When we weren’t wandering around Joshua Tree downtown proper here is what we did:
(Super short descriptions, make sure to read the links and see pictures below.)
Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum: Large sculpture park full of structures and art from Noah Purifoy. He founded the community art center at Watts Towers in CA. Another favorite of mine.
The Integratron: Built in 1957 according to plans that were communicated to the builder from visitors from Venus…need I say more. We did not take a sound bath but will next time.
Giant Rock: In a remote area of the desert there is a giant rock. Yup, it is huge. The story is that someone lived under it for a time during the 20th century until it was bombed due to a disagreement. We we went there was a large dune buggy rally and felt like a scene from Mad Max.
Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum: Lovely museum and gift shop in downtown Joshua Tree. The owner is delightful and there is a documentary about his journey. Filled with thousands of items of “hair-aphernalia”.
The World Famous Crochet Museum: Need I say more
The Institute of Mentaphysics: This was wonderful. A huge campus built in1946 and designed by Lloyd Wright, Frank’s Son. We spent hours wandering around the buildings and sculptures on the grounds. There is a cafe with great vegetarian foods. The property rests upon an aquifer (a running river), “producing an intriguing magnetic effect on those who enter this ancient and sacred space.” There is a hotel there now that I would love to rent out next visit, The Bungalows.
Snapshots:
